EMBROIDERY CLASS: Embroidering on the Photographic Image with Robert Mahar

Have a candid photo that needs a make-over? A group portrait that doesn’t quite convey the joy of the occasion? Join artist Robert Mahar in a workshop that reimagines the family photo album and explores way to transform vintage photographs with embroidery embellishments, inviting you to stitch on a selection of ten black and white images custom printed on a fat quarter (18” x 27”) of linen cotton canvas. Instruction will guide you through the exercise of “enhancing the seen and imagining the unseen”, equipping you to highlight aspects of costuming and setting, and introduce props and text not captured by the camera. (Note! This is brand new sampler with a great new selection of photographs.)

This workshop is a unique approach to needlework utilizing a non-traditional, free-form sampler that allows you to utilize your favorite embroidery stitches and determine their placement. Instruction in this program is well suited for adventurous beginners, however, students with more embroidery experience are encouraged to join for a fun refresher course and the opportunity to apply their skills to photographic imagery.

Please note that while you’ll experiment and play with some of Robert’s favorite vintage photos, you’ll also learn how to have your own images printed on fabric for future projects, turning your own photo archive into wall-ready works of art. The class sampler is cleverly designed with border guides/cut lines - allowing your to easily machine sew finished edges at home, present your finished works in standard size ready-made frames or incorporate your embroidered photos into a large variety of fabric projects (wall-hangings, quilts, totes, throw pillows or apparel appliqué!)

All materials are provided and included in the price of registration. Each material kit includes: a custom sampler depicting 10 vintage photographs, practice fabric, a limited palette of 6-strand embroidery floss, wood hoop, embroidery needle and instructional diagrams. However, if you have favorite embroidery tools or prefer specific colors of embroidery floss (6-strand or perle) you are encouraged to bring these items to the workshop.

ages 18+

This class will take place at Monster. Our address is 1716 NW Market Street, Seattle, WA 98107. It's at the intersection of 17th and NW Market Street - kitty corner from Mighty-O Donuts.

Please arrive about 15 minutes before class begins. 

Due to the special nature of this event, we do not offer refunds or exchanges on tickets. Please double check that you have no conflicts before purchasing tickets. 

Our current Covid protocol is that anyone attending an event can email us at Info@monstermonster.shop to let us know they prefer that people wear masks up to 72 hours before the event begins. Your request is anonymous to all the other participants.

Attendees will receive an email before the class to let them know If masks will be required.

Robert Mahar is a California-based artist and educator who teaches thoughtfully researched and developed hands-on projects based in historical craft traditions. He’s also a proud contestant alumnus, and subsequent associate producer, on NBC’s crafting competition show Making It with Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman. With an education in studio arts and art history, he has worked in a variety of creative fields including 13 years as an appraiser of modern and contemporary art. Learn more about Robert, explore his video tutorial archive and shop his collection of curious embroidery samplers at robert-mahar.com.